​On Sunday, November 3, Daylight Saving Time officially comes to an end. Central York Fire Services (CYFS) reminds residents to turn back their clocks one hour and to use this routine as a time to check all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - replace the batteries, clean and test each unit.

Carbon monoxide is known as a “silent killer” because it has no smell, taste or visual warning and it has toxic effects. Working carbon monoxide alarms provide occupants early detection and alerts them to evacuate in the case of a carbon monoxide leak. 

To alert people in the home when they are awake and asleep, it is the law in Ontario to have smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms installed outside all sleeping areas, plus smoke alarms on every storey of a home. Residential fires burn quickly – the sooner occupants are alerted to any smoke in the house, the more time they have to out to safety. 

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms that are battery powered must have working batteries to function. It is recommended to test alarms monthly and replace batteries once a year at minimum.

For more information about smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms or fire safety information, visit cyfs.ca.